Beef Production
Last week’s cash cattle trade was influenced by downtime at multiple packing plants due to mechanical and labor issues.
Cash cattle prices increased for the week but the gains were disappointing to feeders who visualized a larger advance.
Even as beef cow numbers declined, Canada’s total cattle inventory increased slightly for the first time in four years on July 1. Like their American counterparts, western Canadian ranchers are struggling with drought.
With a carrying capacity of 600 to 800 cows, the Little White River Ranch is described as a versatile working ranch that boasts great protection for cattle in the winter and feed production in the summer.
Equipping cattle producers with the knowledge and tools to improve their bottom line is the goal of Texas A&M’s Beef Cattle Short Course. This year’s hybrid event reached nearly 1,900 across U.S., nine other countries.
When temperatures are above 85°F, cows typically seek relief by heading to shade and/or by bellying deep in ponds. These actions are signs for producers that they should closely observe their cattle for heat stress.
Producers in certain counties can now request haying and grazing on Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acres while still receiving their full rental payment. FSA updates the list of eligible counties weekly.
Drought is bringing spring-born calves to town a full two- to three-months early in the Northern Plains, yet demand was called very good last week.
While drought-stressed crops can still be used as forage, there are many factors to consider before harvesting, specifically soil health and feed safety.
Cattle markets seem poised to break out from the constraints of the first half of the year as we move into the last part of the third quarter. Calf and stocker prices have moved counter-seasonally higher in July-August.
Cash fed cattle prices increased moderately last week as cattle feeders are finding supplies of market-ready cattle finally on a decline.
Northern cash cattle traders found solid weekly gains in an active market this week, while cattle in the South sold steady to $1 higher. Cattle on feed declined 2% from last year.
On a recent Kansas State University Cattle Chat podcast, three veterinarians discussed two rare diseases that can impact cattle – rabies and blackleg.
Ruminant animals like cattle contribute to the maintenance of healthy soils and grasslands, and proper grazing management can reduce the industry’s carbon emissions and overall footprint.
A basic understanding of fertilizer and ratios is important before applying products to your pastures A K-State extension specialist provides examples.
Regardless of when and how many calves you will wean, methods of reducing stress on fresh weaned calves is of great interest to cattlemen and of benefit to cow-calf operations.
The sideways trade in the fed cattle market continues as the weekly average price last week is yet again $123/cwt. This marks the 10th week in a row with live fed steer values averaging between $120/cwt. and $125/cwt.
Salvaging this year’s corn crop as silage can help recoup production costs while providing good-quality feed. Drought-stressed, limited grain-filled corn silage still can retain a majority of its feeding value.
Most components of fall and winter stocker budgets are uncertain at this point but it’s not too early to begin to pencil out possibilities, evaluating risk and perhaps taking actions to lock in some budget components.
Kubota ag and hay product specialists and a panel of forage and animal health experts will present a virtual session aimed to help producers develop strategies that will improve returns for livestock operations.
The success of small local packers depends on how durable the demand by consumers is for locally produced food sources and how durable political resolve is to support small local and regional packers.
The fact that trace minerals are needed is well established, however there is still much discussion around the exact levels required and how chemical form can influence these levels.
Heat across the Plains stifled prices on steers and heifers, yet August is historically a good time to sell yearlings and this year is no exception, AMS reporters said. Wholesale beef prices continued higher Monday.
Deferred cattle futures prices suggest cash cattle should rally going forward, and many cattle feeders are in a position to dig in and fight for higher prices.
One year after wildfires ravaged Dave Daley’s herd, the California rancher is on a mission to save his family’s ranch legacy. But as his area is still scattered with scars, searching for solutions and calls for change.
Cash cattle prices were mostly steady on the week while wholesale beef prices made another run higher. Analysts see the overall fundamentals as strong and prices could trend higher.
The outlook for cattle prices and higher returns to cattlemen is looking positive for 2022. Low prices and significant cost inflation significantly impacted cow-calf producer decisions toward herd numbers.
Drought-stressed corn will vary in forage quality based on grain fill, plant height and maturity. Limited grain fill means it will contain less starch, greater crude protein and fiber with decreased energy content.
While cutting drought-damaged corn for silage may be the best alternative, it’s critical that harvesting happens at the right moisture level to maximize silage value and minimize loss.
In most spring calving herds, the breeding season begins in the spring or early summer. Maintaining a 60- to 90-day breeding season can be one of the most important management tools for cow-calf producers.